EastEnders stalwart Jake Wood is holding out hope that his character, Max Branning, will reunite with former love interest Stacey Slater before actress Lacey Turner takes a prolonged break from the BBC One soap.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Lacey would be taking an extended leave of absence, 21 years after her debut episode.

In Wednesday's (September 3) instalment of the popular drama, Max made his first on-screen appearance in five years as part of a shocking twist involving Stacey's cousin Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).

It has been disclosed that Max and Zoe have a hidden history, but Jake confirmed there is "undoubtedly" unresolved tension between his character and Stacey.

At a recent EastEnders press event, Jake stated: "I suppose there will always be a connection with

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